The Hague — Dutch brewing giant Heineken on Wednesday toasted bubbling net profits in the first nine months, as growing sales in Asia and the Americas offset a slump in Europe. The world’s number two brewer said profit for January-September rose 19.9% from the year-earlier period, to €1.49bn. Without giving a monetary figure for turnover, the Amsterdam-based company said net beer sales rose 2.5% in the period, "with growth in Asia Pacific, Americas and Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe offsetting lower volume in Europe". "Europe had to face tough comparatives, partly due to less favourable weather in some key markets," CEO Jean-Francois van Boxmeer said. But "our full year expectations remain unchanged", he said. Overall across all drinks, sales were up 3.4%, "driven by Brazil, SA, Russia and Mexico", Heineken said. Founded in the 19th century, Heineken produces and sells more than 250 brands including Desperados tequila-flavoured beer, Sol, John Smith’s and Strongbow cider. Th...

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